3 min read

Can Fun Socks Drive Engagement?

May 18, 2018 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger, Kevin Brozovich, Founder and Chief People Officer at HRM Innovations. We hope you enjoy Kevin’s wisdom and perspective.

Fun Socks - Blog.jpgA few years ago, we renovated our website and in doing so, named our blog “Fun Socks.” Why would any organization name their blog Fun Socks? There’s a reason behind this and it says a lot about the way HRM does business.

When HRM first started, I quickly discovered that creating a business could become all-encompassing. Initially I chalked it up to being a necessary part of ownership. Then I realized it simply wasn’t sustainable long term. It wasn’t healthy for me, my team, or our customers. That’s when I made myself a challenge: Do something fun every day. It sounds simple enough, but it has made a big impact on how I approach my daily activities and how HRM operates.

To perform at your best, you need to be refreshed, positive, and healthy. When’s the last time you came up with an incredible brainstorm while you were feeling stressed, tired, or overwhelmed?

One way I remind myself to keep it fun is with my socks. Try this:

Take a look at your ankles. (Yes, really!) What do your socks say about you? If you’re like most people, you’re wearing your basic black socks. Is that really who you are? Often, the way you dress is dictated to some degree by the type of work you do. But does that apply to your socks? I don’t think so.

For me, no matter what else I have going on, fun socks are a reminder to keep it light, to enjoy the moment, and to be inspired in my work.

How Fun Leaders Engage Employees

Think of the most inspiring leaders you’ve worked with. Were they always stressed? Did they take time to share a joke, a smile, or a laugh?

I’m willing to bet the leaders you found most inspiring were the ones who had good balance in their lives. Leaders who unreasonably pressure themselves aren’t being fair to their team, customers, or families. If you want to keep your team engaged and yourself relatively sane, try this:

Do something fun every day. For me, wearing fun socks is a daily reminder for me to keep lighthearted and balanced.

But, it isn’t really about the socks. I love fun socks, but then I also have a closet full of Hawaiian shirts which isn’t for everyone either. Fun socks don’t literally have to be fun socks. Maybe you want to keep a goofy picture or quote on your desk. You could keep a Nerf gun in your drawer and do some target practice on empty Coke cans during lunch. It might even be as simple as signing up for the emailed joke of the day. Whatever your “Fun Socks” turns out to be, the important thing is that it reminds you to keep it light, fun, and happy.

What’s The Risk?

Work can easily take over your life – negatively impacting your health, family, team, and customers. Without a healthy balance and a little fun in your days, it can be a real challenge to consistently perform at your best.

Though fun socks may not be the right answer for everyone, I’d encourage you to think about what your version “Fun Socks” could be. What can you do to add a little fun to your day?

Whether you already have a “Fun Socks” ritual at work or this post inspires you to go on and create one for yourself, I’d love to hear about it!

This content was written and shared by guest blogger Kevin Brozovich.

Kevin Brozovich.jpgKevin Brozovich, SPHR, is the Founder and Chief People Officer at HRM Innovations. With over 25- years of Human Resources leadership experience, he is recognized as an expert in developing HR systems and facilitating organizational change. Kevin earned Bachelor’s degrees in Human Resources and Management from Central Michigan University, has been a member of KHRMA for 20 years, and has been SPHR certified since 2000.

He is passionate about making a difference in the field of HR. He lives in a historic home in Kalamazoo, Michigan with his wife, three sons, and antique car, Bessie. When Kevin’s not at HRM he is likely playing quidditch pitch in the backyard with his son.

Connect with Kevin via LinkedInTwitter, or his Fun Socks blog.

Topics: Executive
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Gibson is a team of risk management and employee benefits professionals with a passion for helping leaders look beyond what others see and get to the proactive side of insurance. As an employee-owned company, Gibson is driven by close relationships with their clients, employees, and the communities they serve. The first Gibson office opened in 1933 in Northern Indiana, and as the company’s reach grew, so did their team. Today, Gibson serves clients across the country from offices in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Utah.